Spirited Away (2001)

Spirited Away is an animated fantasy film written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki, animated by Studio Ghibli. It tells the story of Chihiro Ogino, a 10-year-old girl who, while moving to a new neighborhood with her parents, enters the world of Kami (spirits of Japanese Shinto folklore). After her parents are turned into pigs by the witch Yubaba, Chihiro takes a job working in Yubaba's bathhouse to find a way to free herself and her parents and return to the human world.

During her journey, Chihiro encounters and befriends various spirits, including the mysterious Haku, who helps her navigate this strange new world. As she works in the bathhouse, Chihiro gradually matures from an easily-scared girl to a capable individual who has learned to draw on inner strength and to appreciate friendship and loyalty. To save her parents and return home, she must overcome numerous obstacles, recall forgotten names, and rediscover her identity in a world where everything seems designed to make her forget who she is.

Spirited Away is often regarded as one of the greatest animated films of all time. It was the first non-English-language animated film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and is the highest-grossing film in Japanese history. The film is celebrated for its stunning visuals, imaginative creatures, emotional depth, and themes of environmentalism, identity, courage, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. Miyazaki's masterpiece continues to captivate audiences worldwide with its blend of Japanese folklore, universal coming-of-age themes, and breathtaking animation.